Zuzuao Plane Wreck

Best months: Jul–Oct

Protected Area

Kia

Why dive here

With 391+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, humpback whales and orcas - Zuzuao Plane Wreck offers some of Iron Bottom Sound's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 29-31°C, warmest January, April, December.

Best timeJul–Oct

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Humpback Whales and Orcas · 391+ species recorded

Water29-31°C · warmest January, April, December

CharacterWreck dive · max 10-20m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Zuzuao Plane Wreck, just a short run east of Papatura, is one of those Solomon Islands sites we always make time for. It’s an SBD Dauntless dive bomber, resting upright on a sandy bottom at 23 metres. We love how complete it is, the outline of the plane unmistakable even after all these years. You can fin around the cockpit, spot the engine block, and peer down the wings. Often, we find schooling snapper sheltering under the fuselage, and small reef fish darting in and out of the bomb racks. While the wreck itself is the draw, don’t forget the nearby patch reef. It’s a nice spot for a safety stop, usually buzzing with anthias and fusiliers. Visibility typically runs around 15 metres here, good enough to really take in the bomber's silhouette as you descend. Just be aware that if there’s a strong easterly blowing, this site can get a bit lumpy on the surface, but it’s rarely affected by current. It’s a straightforward dive, perfect for anyone keen on getting up close with a piece of history.